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June 15, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has fielded hundreds if not thousands of complaints over their benefits claims process. These complaints have ranged from problems associated with filing the claim, the adjudication process, and even the appeals process. The VA has finally taken at least one step towards fixing the initial filing process with a shortened benefits claim form.
As it stands, the benefits claims form (VA form 21-526) is a whopping 26 pages long. The VA has shortened it to 6 pages (21-526EZ). While a burden for anyone to fill out, the 26 page form gave trouble specifically to those veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both conditions can result in issues such as short term memory loss.
Because many veterans could not fill out the longer form, many veterans never received their due benefits. Veterans must supply their own medical history and well as military records on the new, shortened form. The current process requires the VA to gather all that information on the veterans' behalf.
The Veteran's benefit Improvement of 2008 directed that a pilot program be established to take on the issues associated with filing for VA benefits. That pilot program produced the new "EZ" form and will now be expanded to all veterans applying for benefits through the VA.
The 20 page reduction will also eliminate approximately 20 million page of paperwork. Many veterans groups have been pushing for the shortened form for years. Shortening the form removes an unnecessary barrier and will hopefully allow more veterans to claim more benefits. So far there is no word as to when the new form will be available.
Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.
At LaVan and Neidenberg, we are determined to secure veterans their rightful disability compensation and disability rating. We wrote this book for you! In it you will find valuable tips on how to navigate the claims process and avoid common pitfalls. Request your FREE copy today!
Or, complete our short contact form or call us directly at 1.888.234.5758 to schedule your FREE case evaluation.
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